Zhen, nine in the fourth placeHexagram 51, line 4 · Zhen (Thunder) · changing to 24
The line
In plain wordsYou take the shock and plunge straight into the mud, unable to pull yourself out again. Caught in the middle of a heap of troubles, you cannot rouse yourself.
The Image commentary on this line
震遂泥，未光也。
"Thunder, and then stuck in the mud": it has not yet come to light.
The small Image commentary is the earliest explanation of the line texts. It usually explains a line from its position: where it stands, whether it holds the center, and which line answers it.
Verdict
止Hold back. The text gives no verdict, but the picture is a bad one. Carry on as you are and you will lose by it. Stop, step aside, or change your approach.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- You are tangled up in a heap of trouble; the more you struggle, the deeper you sink, and you can't find your energy. Stop putting effort into this mud. Stop first: take on nothing new, don't force yourself on, and find a way to get out.
- Love
- The relationship is stuck in a tangle no one can sort out; neither of you can pull yourselves together, and the more you tug, the deeper it gets. Stop pouring in feelings and wearing yourself out. Stop, and pull yourself out of the mud first.
- Money
- Your money is stuck in a heap of bad debts and trouble; it can't move, and you can't turn things around. Don't put in more, and don't think you can thrash your way out. Stop the bleeding first, and accept that this money can't be got out for now.
This is how to read it when this is the only changing line. With several changing lines, first see which text governs; for the hexagram as a whole, see Zhen.
Line position
A yang line in a yin place: it is not in its proper place. Its partner is the first line, which is also yang, so there is no answer from it.
Fourth place: next to the ruler, a place of caution. Serve those above with care.
When you get this line
If this is the only changing line in your cast (three backs, old yang), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Zhen (Thunder); when this line changes it becomes Fu (Return): hexagram 51 changing to 24.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Fu (Return)
The worst is over, and the turn has come.